Understanding Elysia chlorotica and Mixotrophy

The video explores the unique characteristics of the slug Elysia chlorotica, which can photosynthesize like plants by incorporating chloroplasts from algae it consumes. It explains the concepts of heterotrophs, autotrophs, and mixotrophs, highlighting Elysia's ability to retain chloroplasts longer than other slugs. The video also discusses symbiotic relationships in marine life, such as corals and algae, and the evolutionary origins of photosynthesis, drawing parallels with modern mixotrophic organisms.

What makes Elysia chlorotica unique among other slugs?

• It can fly.

• It can photosynthesize like a plant.

• It lives in freshwater.

• It has a hard shell.

How does Elysia chlorotica acquire the ability to photosynthesize?

• By living in water.

• By incorporating chloroplasts from algae.

• By eating other slugs.

• By absorbing sunlight directly.

What is a mixotroph?

• An organism that only consumes food.

• An organism that only produces its own food.

• An organism that can both consume food and produce its own.

• An organism that lives in the ocean.

Why can Elysia chlorotica retain chloroplasts longer than other slugs?

• Because it lives in a special environment.

• Due to its larger size.

• Due to the survival abilities of both the plastids and the slug.

• Because it eats more algae.

Which organisms have symbiotic algae living inside their cells?

• Only plants.

• Only slugs.

• Corals, giant clams, and sponges.

• Only fish.

What role do symbiotic algae play in marine ecosystems?

• They provide shelter to fish.

• They clean the ocean floor.

• They produce oxygen for the atmosphere.

• They supply organic compounds through photosynthesis.

How do mixotrophic algae like Tripos furca survive in darkness?

• By living near the ocean surface.

• By consuming microscopic animals.

• By absorbing nutrients from water.

• By photosynthesizing in the dark.

What is the significance of chloroplast acquisition in the evolution of plants?

• It led to the development of photosynthesis.

• It enabled plants to live on land.

• It made plants more colorful.

• It allowed plants to grow larger.

What is the relationship between Tripos furca and other mixotrophic algae?

• Tripos furca is eaten by other mixotrophic algae.

• Tripos furca eats other mixotrophic algae.

• They compete for the same food.

• They live in different environments.

How many times has the chloroplast heist occurred in evolutionary history?

• Twice

• Once

• Four times

• Three times